Your Kitchen Appliances Are Watching You

"A fridge is no longer only a fridge, it’s now also a sensor collecting private information," Preuss said. "Vendors need to say what data they collected, where it’s stored and who’s using it, and regulators need to work on standards and requirements to make companies more transparent about this. It’s the only way to bring consumer trust back."

Your fridge is getting so smart, security-software maker Kaspersky Lab thinks you probably shouldnt trust it. The growth of the so-called Internet of Things will lead to millions of appliances coming online and harvesting data about peoples habits in their homes. A 21.5-inch display lets family members leave each other messages, order groceries and share their calendars.Qingdao Haier Co., the Chinese company that bought GEs appliances business, introduced a cloud-based robot to manage smart appliances and a mini-fridge that delivers chilled beverages via remote control.